For Immediate Release
March 5, 2007
Contact: Michael Valentino
732-751-7538

MERIDIAN HEALTH AFFILIATED FOUNDATIONS WELCOMES NEW PRESIDENT MICHAEL LUCK, PH.D.

Nationally recognized leader in academic and health care philanthropy will lead foundations benefiting the region’s largest not-for-profit health care provider

Neptune, NJ - Meridian Health welcomes Michael F. Luck, Ph.D., as the new president of the Meridian Affiliated Foundations. Comprised of the Jersey Shore University Medical Center Foundation, Ocean Medical Center Foundation, Riverview Medical Center Foundation, and Meridian Health Foundation, the Meridian Affiliated Foundations support philanthropic giving to benefit the hospitals and health care services of Meridian Health, the largest not-for-profit health care organization in Monmouth and Ocean counties.

In philanthropic administration and development, Dr. Luck brings over 30 years of academic and health care experience to Meridian. Most recently, he served as Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Affairs at the State University of New York, the largest public university system in the world with over 64 colleges and universities.

“Meridian is fortunate to have such strong support from many individuals in our community who are passionate about the work done by Meridian Health,” says John K. Lloyd, president and CEO of Meridian Health. “Hospitals today face tremendous financial challenges, and it is only through the generous support of our Foundations that we are able to achieve the remarkable quality of health care services we provide the residents of Central New Jersey. We are very excited to welcome Michael to our community and to the Meridian Health family, and we look forward to the wonderful contributions he will make toward our continued success.”

“I am incredibly passionate about the mission and purpose of Meridian Health, which essentially is to change and save lives,” says Dr. Luck. “There are not many institutions that touch an entire community quite like a hospital. They are a powerful resource in a community that people turn to at the most important moments of their lives. Meridian is a nationally recognized leader in health care, and serves this community with remarkable quality care, service, and compassion. And so to be welcomed here to further advance its mission and service to this community is an exciting privilege.”

Among Meridian’s many landmark projects and programs that are being made possible through community support include:

·· The $300 million expansion project at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, which is in its first phase of its four-year construction. Named “Transforming Care: The New Jersey Shore,” the landmark expansion consists of a new patient care pavilion featuring all-private rooms and an innovative model of nursing care; a state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment building offering the latest in diagnostic technology, surgical suites, and new intensive care unit dedicated for cardiac patients; a new emergency department and trauma center with the ability to annually treat over 100,000 patients; a new parking garage; enhanced patient and visitor amenities; and extensive renovations throughout existing buildings.

·· The continued success of the Ocean Care Center, a satellite emergency department of Ocean Medical Center. Located in Point Pleasant, the Ocean Care Center is the first of its kind in the state, providing 24-hour access to emergency care services. The facility has become a valuable and highly utilized resource of the Northern Ocean County community.

·· The arrival of the CyberKnife at Riverview Medical Center – the most advanced radiosurgery technology available today painlessly and non-invasively treating benign and malignant tumors, and abnormalities throughout the body. One of only 20 in the nation, Riverview’s CyberKnife has the ability to treat tumors and abnormalities that were once considered inoperable. Using the same technology used by the military for missile guidance systems, the CyberKnife focuses highly accurate beams of radiation directly to the tumor, without harming surrounding tissue, and l while compensating for body movement during treatment. Since opening the CyberKnife in 2005, Riverview Medical Center has attracted patients from across the Northeast for treatment.

·· Establishment of the K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital (KHCH), the first state-designated children’s hospital for Monmouth and Ocean counties. KHCH provides the most comprehensive pediatric inpatient and outpatient services in the region, Pediatric Diabetes Center, Child Evaluation Center for the diagnosis and treatment of developmental and behavioral issues; the only state designated Child Protection Center, providing regional care for abused and neglected children in Monmouth and Ocean counties; and an Infant Apnea Center, providing comprehensive care for infants with sleep apnea. KHCH also provides the most pediatric subspecialty services in the two counties, including endocrinology, hematology and oncology, neonatal care, gastroenterology and nutrition.

·· Extending hospital care into the community through many home based services, such as the Meridian At Home hospice program. Dedicated hospice services for when patients are facing a life-limiting illness, Meridian caregivers provide pain relief, physical comfort, and emotional support to meet the complex needs of patients and their families during those most difficult times. In situations where at-home care isn't feasible, inpatient hospice care is available at Meridian’s hospitals and one of its assisted living communities, Colts Neck Village.

Dr. Luck has previously served in executive leadership positions at the University of Massachusetts Boston, Rutgers University Foundation, Massachusetts Institute for Technology, Providence Memorial Hospital in El Paso, TX and Lehigh Valley Hospital Center in Allentown, PA. He completed his undergraduate education at Johnson State College, Vermont; and received his master’s degree and doctorate from Southern Illinois University.

He is a member of many national organizations, including the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy and Council for the Advancement of Education, and has authored over 30 articles in academic and industry publications. His 1978 book, “Community College Development: Alternative Fund Raising Strategies”, is considered a landmark study in on academic philanthropy.

Dr. Luck and his wife, Barbara C. Wilson, EdD., have three grown children and make their home in Little Silver.

About Meridian Health
Meridian Health is a family of not-for-profit health care organizations comprising Jersey Shore University Medical Center and K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital in Neptune, Ocean Medical Center in Brick, Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, and Meridian Partner Companies that include home care agencies, long-term and assisted living communities, ambulatory care, ambulance services, and occupational health located throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties. Meridian Health was the first health care organization in the nation to achieve the prestigious Magnet designation for its nursing staff at each of its partner hospitals and has been named one of the best places to work in New Jersey for two consecutive years. For more information, please call the Meridian Health Line at 1-800-560-9990 or visit us on the web at www.meridianhealth.com.

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